Travel Guide to St Lucia

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Location

St Lucia forms part of the Windward Islands and is north of Barbados nestled between Martinique and St Vincent. Its easterly location in the island group makes for an interesting perspective with views the Atlantic on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other.

Shopping

The capital Castries offers the best shopping on the island. There are boutique, craft and gift shops. Elsewhere on the island batik print clothing, wooden carved items and jewellery are plentyful.

Geography

The island is only 27 miles long by 14 miles at it widest point. The volcanic origins of the island provided the template for the geography of the island. The crater of the now dormant volcano at Soufriere still bubbles and emits sulphuric smells. The lush tropical rainforests are supported by the fertile volcanic soil.

History

The island was inhabited by Caribs until Europeans started to settle in 1550, a full 50 years after they have first discovered the island. The first European settlers were led by the notorious buccaneer, Francois le Clerc, who was known as Jambe de Bois (Wooden Leg) who used the island as a base to launch attacks on treasure laden Spanish galleons.

The Dutch and British tried to unsuccessfully settle in the 1600s, but it was the French in 1746 who constructed the first towns starting with Soufriere. In 1782 the British launched their first major invasion, but it was not until 1814 that they finally took control of the island.

In 1979 St Lucia gained its independence and thrives with a democratic government and a multicultural society.

Climate

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Av Temp(F)	82	82	84	86	87	87	87	87	87	86	84	81
Av Temp(C)	28	28	29	30	31	31	31	31	31	30	29	29
Sunshine Hours	8	8	8	8	8	7	8	8	7	7	8	8
Rain (inches)	5	4	4	4	6	9	9	10	10	9	9	8

The Caribbean is subject to a hurricane season which is officially from 1 June to 30 November. However 80% of the stormy weather activity occurs within the August-October period with its peak usually being early-mid September. The centre of most storms miss the region moving off to the north, with others causing only minor disruption to weather conditions. However, there are usually a few each year that will pass through the region in hurricane force wind conditions.

Basic Information

Language
English is the official language although French Patois is locally spoken.

Currency
East Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the local currency although US$ are usually accepted as are credit cards in hotels and many restaurants and shops.

Electricity
220/230 volts AC 50 Hz with UK style plugs.

Banks
Opening hours Mon-Thur 8am-3pm, Fri 8am-1pm and 3pm-5pm.

Driving
Driving is on the left. Main roads are maintained.

Time difference
GMT -4 hours.

Tipping and local customs
10-12% is generally expected in restaurants and by taxi drivers and is not usually added automatically.

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended although the water is chlorinated.

Tourist Board information
www.stlucia.org

Visas
No visa is currently required for Irish passport holders. This should be re-checked on booking for any changes. Six months valid passport is required.

What makes it so special?

Stunning lush tropical mountainous scenery leading down to volcanic sandy beaches and the turquoise Caribbean sea make this one of the prettiest islands to visit. The hotel standards are high and service friendly with typical laid back Caribbean charm.

Where to visit?
Castries for shopping and people watching
The Piton peaks to the south along with the volcano at Soufrieres
The historic town of Soufrieres

Most popular tours
Island Tour taking in the Pitons
Catamaran cruise